Arvest Banks recently awarded more than $15,000 to teachers throughout the state of Oklahoma, and the prizewinners in our Oklahoma City market already have plans to put their winnings to use in their classrooms.

This marks the second year for the initiative in Oklahoma. The decision to award $500 gifts to individual teachers from a pool of more than 90 communities was made not only out of respect and appreciation for the work teachers do, but as a sign of support at a time when many school budgets across the state have been cut.

“We know how important teachers are to our children, our communities, and our future,” said Brenda Gauntt, Arvest’s marketing manager in Oklahoma City. “We hope these awards will be recognized as a sign of how appreciative we are for all the hard work these teachers do for our children.”

Here is a quick look at how the winners plan to use their winnings:

Angela Braggs, Skyline Elementary, Stillwater: Games and materials to support our reading and math center.

Jim Hudson, Mid-Del Technology Center, Midwest City: Four special tools used in the HVAC industry will be purchased for four students. There will be a monthly drawing and the individual holding the lucky ticket will get to choose their prize. Each student will have an opportunity to receive three tickets a day, based on meeting certain conditions.

Amber N. Neighbors, Central Junior High, Moore: Items such as floor pillows and low-standing tables. I also plan to purchase a few needed items like glue and colored pens. In addition, my classroom also has a library that I would like to update with a few new and popular titles such as April Henry and James Patterson books.

Shelby Wagner, Frontier Elementary, Edmond: Purchasing items to help with flexible seating in my classroom, as well as materials for hands-on lessons and projects.

Sabra Wixson, Windsor Hills Elementary, Oklahoma City: Storage for station work, tools for arts infusion, technology opportunities, etc. I would also like to purchase a small laminator and laminating sheets for the classroom.

Investment products and services are provided by Arvest Investments, Inc., doing business as Arvest Asset Management, member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Arvest Bank. Trust services are provided by Arvest Bank. Insurance products are made available through Arvest Insurance, Inc., which is registered as an insurance agency. Insurance products are marketed through Arvest Insurance, Inc., but are underwritten by insurance companies.
Securities and Insurance Products: Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, May Lose Value, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by a Bank or any Bank Affiliate.